ForgePix

Overview

ForgePix is a free desktop app for focus stacking and computational photography, with workflows for macro, astrophotography, and long-exposure series. It suits photographers who want stacking, editing, and export tools in one application. Its breadth is compelling for a free tool, but its beta status and experimental image models call for care.

Key features

Stacking and editing

Automatic mode selects usable frames, aligns and merges them, then applies gentle sharpening. That offers a convenient starting point for a series, while five focus-merge methods—Laplacian pyramid, depth map, weighted average, à-trous wavelet, and halo fix—give users options when they want to choose the merging approach. RAW support, automatic alignment, batch processing, and manual retouching extend the workflow beyond a single merge.

Macro, Astro, Hybrid, and Long Exposure modules separate the app's main use cases. A Camera-Raw editor and retouch brush handle image adjustments; a watch folder and export presets are useful for recurring jobs. Output formats include JPG, TIFF, layered Photoshop TIFF, and FITS.

Astrophotography and integrations

The Astro module includes calibration-frame detection, star alignment, rejection methods, drizzle, multi-session stacking, and FITS export. Together, those functions make ForgePix relevant to users combining astronomy images as well as photographers stacking focus series. It says its core processing runs locally, without AI, a server, or external astronomy software.

Optional connections broaden the setup: language assistants can connect through OpenAI-compatible servers such as Ollama, llama.cpp, LM Studio, and vLLM, or through OpenAI and OpenRouter. The assistant setup sends preview frames, a sharpness profile, basic EXIF data, and the user's request; original files and location data are not sent. That distinction may suit users who want help without uploading originals, but the preview and related data still leave the device. External tools such as Siril, GraXpert, StarNet++, and Cosmic Clarity are also optional.

The local AI image models are experimental, are never enabled automatically, and may change faint structures, flux, or star shapes. They are best treated cautiously, especially when those details matter to the finished image. ForgePix is a beta prerelease, not a release candidate, so users who need mature release status should look elsewhere.

Pricing

ForgePix's Free (MIT) plan costs nothing. It is free software under the MIT license, with no free trial. That makes it a low-cost way to access the listed stacking, editing, batch-processing, and export workflows; there are no paid tiers or quotas stated for this plan. Its main trade-off is beta maturity rather than a paid-plan feature restriction.

Platforms

Prebuilt downloads are listed for macOS, Windows, and Linux. The interface is available in German and English, and users can add languages by translating a language file. Distribution under the MIT license permits use under that license's terms.

Who it's for

ForgePix is a strong fit for macro photographers and astrophotographers who want a free, locally processed stacking workflow with editing tools in the same app. Its Astro module is particularly relevant for multi-session work and calibration frames, while batch processing and a watch folder help with repeated tasks. It is less suitable for anyone who requires a non-beta release or wants to rely on experimental AI output for faithful fine detail.

Pros and cons

• Pros: A broad set of focus-merge methods gives users alternatives when a single automatic merge is not enough.
• Pros: Astro features include calibration-frame detection, drizzle, multi-session stacking, and FITS export, supporting astronomy workflows in the same application.
• Pros: Local core processing, RAW support, batch tools, retouching, and multiple export formats make the free MIT-licensed app useful beyond stacking alone.
• Cons: The current release is a beta prerelease, not a release candidate, which may put off users seeking a mature release.
• Cons: Experimental local AI models may alter faint structures, flux, or star shapes, so they are not a safe default for detail-critical images.
• Cons: Optional language-assistant use sends preview frames, sharpness profile, basic EXIF data, and the user's request, which privacy-minded users may prefer to avoid.

Alternatives

Focus Stacking Software is a useful category page for comparing options. Consider ImageFocus Alpha if you need Android or iOS support, or if you use compatible Euromex camera models; it is also free. PlaneFuse is another free MIT-licensed option for personal and commercial use, with web, API, and self-hosted platforms in addition to desktop support. Choose Shine Stacker if you want a free open-source stacking tool for Windows, Mac OS, or Linux.

Aduku Stacker is a free alternative for macOS and Windows. PICOLAY is worth considering for Windows users who need a free option for non-commercial purposes. For a paid product with a free trial, Helicon Focus supports macOS and Windows. PhotoAcute Studio is another paid, trial-available option for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Zerene Stacker may suit eligible students seeking a one-time Student Edition license at $39, paid once.

Verdict

Choose ForgePix if you want a free, locally processed toolkit for macro stacking or astrophotography, especially when its dedicated Astro features and editing tools appeal. Its main draw is the breadth of workflows available without requiring AI or external astronomy software. Look elsewhere if beta status is a deal-breaker or if experimental image models are central to your workflow.